Controversial textbook message has parent upset

The Gilbert School District is getting a lot of attention for a sticker the district is placing in science books.

Those stickers carry a pro-life message, and one Valley mom was so fired up she took to Twitter to vent her frustrations.

She says opinions about sex and abortion shouldn't be in science textbooks. Last year the school board contemplated removing all pages in science textbooks that mentioned abortion.

The board tabled that plan and this year they have a new policy of putting the stickers in each freshman biology book.

The stickers say in part; "The Gilbert Public School District supports the State of Arizona's strong interest in promoting childbirth, and adoption over elective abortion. The district is also in support of promoting abstinence as the most effective way to eliminate the potential for unwanted pregnancy."

Suzanne Young was shocked and took to Twitter, posting the image.

"It troubles me because I feel like it shames and isolates the girls in the class without supplying them information without basic biological facts," said Suzanne Young.

Young says the stickers push "abstinence only" and "anti-choice" beliefs on her son.

"They shouldn't have the right to tell me how to raise my children," said Young.

Gilbert Unified School District says the message is in line with an Arizona law that states childbirth should be taught as the preferred option over abortion.

The district superintendent issued the following statement: "The board and I have full confidence in our teachers and because we trust the way our teachers instruct, we agreed that the stickers on the back cover are the best course of action."

But for Young, she sees the message as political, not educational.

"I just don't want it to continue, the fact that this could be a stepping stone of censorship and bigger issues with them pushing an agenda which I don't think has a place in public school," said Young.

Several students say they were told there would be consequences if the sticker was not in their book. A spokesperson for the Gilbert School District says the students will not face punishment for removing the sticker.